Nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridges

Abstract

Nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridges and systems are provided. The cartridges can be removable and are configured to allow for the concentration of particles of interest, followed by nucleic acid extraction and purification. The cartridges directly contact samples and provide a partial barrier between samples and the reusable components of the system, thereby reducing the probability of clogging the system's microfluidics and fouling the lines, valves, and pumps of the system. Furthermore, these cartridges are designed to purity nucleic acids by removing the majority of inhibitors for down-stream genetic testing. Embodiments may comprise one, two, or three or more channels. In an exemplary embodiment the nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge comprises a first channel containing a filter disposed therein; and a second channel containing a nucleic acid binding matrix disposed therein, wherein a first end of the cartridge is configured to directly contact a sample comprising a biological material, and wherein a second end of the cartridge Is configured to connect in a reversible fashion to a flow-through automated Instrument that controls fluid flow through the cartridge.

1 - 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . A disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge comprising:
 a first channel containing a nucleic acid binding matrix disposed therein, wherein a first end of the cartridge is configured to be inserted into a sample container holding a sample comprising biological material such that an inner surface and an outer surface of the first end of the cartridge directly contact the sample, and wherein a second end of the cartridge is configured to connect in a reversible fashion to a flow-through automated instrument that controls fluid flow through the cartridge.   
     
     
         48 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 47 , wherein the first channel is functionalized with a ligand that binds to a target in a sample. 
     
     
         49 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 47 , wherein the first channel is configured to receive vibration and/or sonication to disrupt a sample. 
     
     
         50 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 47 , wherein the first channel contains particles disposed therein to aid in the disruption of a sample. 
     
     
         51 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 47 , wherein the first channel further contains a filter disposed therein. 
     
     
         52 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 51 , wherein the filter is spaced from the nucleic acid binding matrix. 
     
     
         53 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 47 , wherein the nucleic acid binding matrix is selected from the group consisting of silica, borosilicate glass, sol-gel, silanol-functionalized surface, and an anion-exchange resin. 
     
     
         54 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 47 , wherein the nucleic acid binding matrix comprises a nucleic acid binding probe or aptamer. 
     
     
         55 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 47 , wherein the first channel contains a dried reagent disposed therein for lysis of a sample. 
     
     
         56 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 47 , further comprising a second channel containing a filter disposed therein, wherein the second channel is connected to the first channel. 
     
     
         57 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 56 , wherein the second channel has a curved flow path. 
     
     
         58 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 56 , wherein the second channel is indirectly connected to the first channel through a sample container. 
     
     
         59 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 56 , wherein the second channel is directly connected to the first channel. 
     
     
         60 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 56 , wherein the first channel is functionalized with a ligand that binds to a target in a sample. 
     
     
         61 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 56 , wherein the first channel is configured to receive vibration and/or sonication to disrupt a sample. 
     
     
         62 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 56 , wherein the first channel contains particles disposed therein to aid in the disruption of a sample. 
     
     
         63 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 56 , wherein the first channel further contains a filter disposed therein. 
     
     
         64 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 56 , wherein the first channel contains a dried reagent disposed therein for lysis of a sample. 
     
     
         65 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 56 , further comprising a third channel that selectively enriches for targets of interest, wherein the third channel is fluidically connected to the first and second channels. 
     
     
         66 . The disposable single use nucleic acid extraction and purification cartridge of  claim 47 , wherein the first end of the cartridge has an inner diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the first channel at a position where the nucleic acid binding matrix is located.